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It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.